HEREFORD Whitecross Tennis Club's coach and co-ordinator Andrew Griffiths was delighted with the support for their Play Tennis 2003 open day.

"About 150 people of ages ranging from three-years-old to 70-plus turned up and took advantage of the opportunities to play, receive coaching and try out the latest racquets against the Speedcheck serving machine," said Griffiths.

This event was one of hundreds around the country offering the chance for children and adults to try their hand at tennis as part of the Lawn Tennis Association's Play Tennis 2003 campaign.

A feature of the day was an exhibition match between Griffiths and 11-year-old Harrison Probert, of Sutton St Nicholas.

Probert has already caught the eye of LTA director Mark Cox, the former British number one, and is a member of their National Futures squad. He travels to Malvern three times a week for squad coaching with the LTA regional staff, which includes Griffiths.

The opportunity to try out the latest technology proved popular with all the players, who were able to compare a variety of racquets from old wooden frames through to aluminium and the new titanium enhanced graphite models.

Jonathan Casey, a local who has not played for a number of years, recorded the fastest serve by a visitor of 95 mph, with Griffiths notching 107 mph.

"The idea was to identify and hopefully encourage talent into the game under the LTA's motto 'more players - better players'," said Griffiths. "Hopefully we have recruited 10 new members for the club."

A follow-up is being considered after the conclusion of Wimbledon, with potential players being invited back for coaching and a beginners' tournament.